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Razer Lachesis
Input Devices |
First LooksSat 08 Dec 2007

Razer Sharp Precision

Side buttons, slightly too flushed.

Adjustable DPI settings with a click.

Load or save your favorite profile .

In less than a year, we have seen a slew of gaming mice landing on our shores, such as the Logitech G9 and Razer Diamondback 3G. And now it seems that the Diamondback 3G was just a stop gap for Razer to bring about a brand new mouse based on their latest 4000dpi 3G Laser Sensor technology. We present thee, the Razer Lachesis – the bringer of silent death.

Midnight Blackness

Razer has always favored symmetrical designs for their mice. However, at first glance, the obvious nod to its Boomslang heritage brings up some doubt about its usability and comfort. While not as awkward as the Boomslang, we found that it still doesn't quite conform to the shape of the hands. Nevertheless, you'll still get a firm grip with the Lachesis, and with its zero-acoustic Ultraslick Teflon feet, you'll find that the Lachesis has all grounds covered for a precise navigational experience.

The Lachesis' overall cosmetic is black as night, with a matted black surface and a glossed up finishing at its sides. Its scroll wheel and the Razer logo located at the palm rest area are still given the blue glow lighting effects just like that of the older Razer Deathadder.

Profiling the Lachesis

Featuring nine buttons in total, you'll find the standard left/right buttons and scroll wheel up top, with an addition of two more buttons below the scroll wheel. By default, these two buttons dictate the operational sensitivity of the Lachesis, ranging from 500dpi to 4000dpi, one of the highest sensitivity settings supported on current gaming mice. However, we found that at higher sensitivity ranges beyond 3000dpi, the slightest click can cause the Lachesis to register movement, setting the cursor in motion. This can be rectified by using a rougher mousing surface, but you're still going to need a very steady hand to use the Lachesis at its highest DPI settings.

The remaining four buttons are spread out evenly on both sides, though a little too close to the center. Ease of access to the side buttons is still passable, if your style is in placing your palm further down the mouse. Still, the side buttons favor the thumb, and most users we know rarely touch the two on the other side, some even disabling them. As usual, Razer's software allows customization of every button on the mouse.

Beyond its customization features, the Lachesis is equipped with 32KB onboard memory that allows you to save your favored settings in profiles, which are easily toggled with a click of its last, ninth button, the hidden profile button at the underbelly of the mouse. Similar to the Logitech G9, saving profiles on the mouse itself gives you allowance to use your own settings on any PC, without needing additional software. A total of five profiles can be saved onboard, with the option to either export or import your profiles straight from your PC.

The Silent Conclusion

Following Razer's tradition, the Lachesis is named after one of the largest pit viper snakes in the world, but Lachesis is also the name of one of the three Fates in Greek mythology, the one that measures the length of thread of life, ultimately deciding how long you are to live. Given its ominous background, Razer is hoping the Lachesis will spell death for both your opponents and its competition in the market. For all its worth, the Lachesis is a strong contender in the race to be the ultimate gaming peripheral, and topping the DPI race with its 4000dpi setting. However, its extreme sensitivity and shape can sometimes work against it, as both needs getting accustomed to. For the gaming professionals, if you wish to keep your edge, it may be time to fork out a cool S$129 (~US$89) for an unbeatable record with the Razer Lachesis.